Vitória, Seferović and Jonas delighted with positive start

Posted on August 12, 2017 by david_pritchett

Benfica got their 2017/18 league campaign off to a winning start this week, defeating Braga 3-1 in Lisbon thanks to goals from Haris Seferović, Jonas and Eduardo Salvio. Immediately after the final whistle, head coach Rui Vitória paid tribute to his team and to the 58,826 supporters in attendance.

"There was a perfect communion between the team and the supporters. The first goal was a beautiful team move. It was a very-well executed display, with many good moments of collective quality."

"The result could have been more comprehensive, but we demonstrated our quality and power. We showed why we are four-times champions."

"The team has the capacity to make the right decisions at each moment... they were very intelligent."

"Credit also goes to the opponent... a quality team that made this victory all the more impressive."

The 47-year old was already casting an eye towards Benfica's next opponent, GD Chaves, who caused the Eagles difficulties at home and away last season.

"It will be a well-contested and difficult championship, but the team will be ready to respond again in Chaves."

Swiss striker Haris Seferović has made a blistering start to his Benfica career, scoring three times in preseason before finding the net in each of his first two competitive appearances for the club. The early goals will have come as a welcome relief to the 25-year old, who managed just eight in his final two seasons at Eintracht Frankfurt.

After making his home debut, Seferović hailed the motivational impact of the home fans' vociferous support.

"Many people told me that the stadium has a great atmosphere, but when you play here it really is fantastic!"

"The fans are fabulous and pushed me to give more for the club. It was very good to feel that."

Despite their partnership being in its infancy, Seferović and Jonas are already demonstrating a good understanding on the pitch. Indeed, it was Jonas that created his teammate's latest goal with a pinpoint delivery from the left-hand side. Seferović was quick to acknowledge the quality of the cross in his post-match interview.

“I'm not able to score goals without receiving the ball, but we are (a team) of great quality. I was able to receive the perfect ball to score the goal. We won and that is the most important (thing)."

Jonas himself shows no signs of slowing down. The 33-year old's stunning volley was his 87th goal in 113 appearances for the Eagles, bringing him level with Mats Magnusson as the club's second most prolific goalscorer from outside Portugal. Paraguayan hitman Óscar Cardozo remains the top foreign goalscorer in Benfica's history, with 172 goals.

After the match, Jonas revealed his delight at Benfica's lightning start to the league season.

"It is important to start well and with three points against a good opponent. We put on a good display and achieved the victory."

"Benfica is a great club... the team delivered a great exhibition on a fantastic night. We all deserve congratulation."

"We will draw on the strength we have gathered in the last few years. We are focused and working hard. We know that it will be a very difficult year, but we can count on the fans."